Aiken has been with the Patriots since 2011 after being claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. He has snapped in every single game for the Patriots since that time.

He had been slated to become a restricted free agent Tuesday.

The Patriots still have to address a number of position players who are set to hit the market. Linebacker Brandon Spikes, appearing on NFL Network’s “NFL AM” Friday morning, has said it’s time for him to move on. Meanwhile, the team reportedly has reached out to wide receiver Julian Edelman regarding a deal and has had continued negotiations with cornerback Aqib Talib.